Stockmanship - the quality of human-animal interactions in livestock management - is one of the most powerful determinants of animal welfare and production outcomes. Seminal research by Paul Hemsworth demonstrates that aversive handling creates chronic fear of humans that reduces milk production by 10-30% and growth rates by 10-20% in pigs and cattle. Fear of humans is measurable via approach tests and flight zone assessment. Positive handling programmes replace aversive with neutral or positive interactions, reducing fear scores within 2-4 weeks. Temple Grandin low-stress handling systems use flight zone principles to reduce stress during handling and transport. Research shows stockperson attitude toward animals predicts handling behaviour more strongly than knowledge alone, informing training programme design.